Dale’s Trail Day Report 3

Dale’s trail was built by the same Dale who flies mountain bikers into places like Lorna Lake in the southern Chilcotins. Back then there likely weren’t enough riders to require large scale trail days but I’d bet Dale continued to buff it while he was living down here on the coast. Since that time there may have been a trail day or two but there was no evidence of recent trail work that we have come across yet. Basically Dale’s has been dying a slow death for years.

  We had a solid crew of 15 come out this time around – and their industriousness produced a tonne of work. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

Seeing the trail come back to life is a beautiful thing – and without the nsmba’s TAP initiative it just wouldn’t be happening. Seymour trails right now are better than they have been for years – and we have TAP, the nsmbA and Mark Wood’s energy to thank for it.

  The first task was to tap on the new trail sign. Thanks to Rock Shox  and Tyler Morland for supporting us on this project. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

Most of the TAP partners have done more trail days than we have at this point, but this summer we were too busy riding to get in there and dig. Fortunately we had a perfect day to work this past Sunday.

  Digger is of course trail boss. Here he’s letting us all know who is in charge. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  One of the first tasks was to finish the re-route around a slippery ladder bridge section (which is still rideable for those who prefer it). Rather than just let the trail burn in over several months we have taken the long view. First we scrape away all of the organic matter and then lay a foundation of rock (where needed) before finally topping it with golden mineral soil (aka North Shore Cement).  It’s more work but Digger and Jerry want the trail to be built to last.

  Another re-route was needed further down the trail. Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  Digger lays out the plan – or he’sgetting ready to show some wrestling moves. Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  Jerry decided this section – below a beautiful rock slab – needed a rethink. Instead of going straight down between the trees it was decided that we should put in a berm and turn the trail right before the trees. An added bonus to this strategy was a grade reversal to keep water off the trail. Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  Step one: haul in some big rocks to provide a base for the new berm.

  Step two; find a few gold mines and dig up as much of the secret formula as you can. Then spread it around, removing any large rocks which tend to rise to the surface, and finally pack it down firmly with your boots.

  The re-route has an added bonus of being a lot more fun and interesting than the original line. Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  Mining gold, and then hauling heavy buckets of it around the forest, isn’t glamourous but it’s essential if you are going to build up to Digger and Jerry’s specifications. Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  Looking back we were all pretty amazed at how much work we got done. What a great crew we had out.

  15 year old Cameron has been a great addition to our crew. Here he is doing the Digger dance to pack down the gold. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  As you can see there’s work still to be done. Photo ~ Morgan Taylor

  Tim brought his wife Andrea out to sample the sport of trail maintenance. She was indeed a great sport – even putting up with Digger for a couple of hours. Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  The final step is to ride your handiwork (or in this case to get Darryl to ride it) and see how she rolls. Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  Darryl gives it another go for the camera. He was all in favour of the route after riding it thrice. And yes – that is a hardtail with a Marzocchi 888 up front. What’s it to ya? Photo ~ Jerry Willows

  Big thanks for Jerry and Diggs for running the show! Photo ~ Jerry Willows

Dale’s is now maintained from the entrances all the way to the crux move. We haven’t yet dealt with that area or anything below. It’s rideable but not yet maintained. Give the trail a go and let us know what you think. Big thanks again to everyone who came out. Everyone is welcome to our trail days and we’ll even feed you lunch. We’ll have another day this fall before the weather gets too nasty.

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Do you have any misgivings about Dales being turned golden? Ridden it lately? Working on your own TAP project? Let us know what’s up here…